Things are looking up for Cardinals

Willmar returns six seniors, including all-conference forward Schoolmeester, for Holtkamp's second season as coach

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — The Willmar Cardinals started slowly and ended strong in 2021-22 under the direction of new head coach Jeff Holtkamp. Holtkamp, a long-time assistant, is back for his second season hoping that his squad picks up where they left off.

“We finished the previous year playing our best basketball at the end of the season,” Holtkamp said. “We hope that will carry over to the beginning of the season.”

There are plenty of reasons it could happen. Willmar returns six seniors who all played key minutes last season from a squad that went 7-20,

including 4-12 in the Central Lakes Conference. The Cards closed winning four of their last six games, including three of their last four, before falling 46-45 at Sauk Rapids in the first round of the Section 8AAA playoffs.

“We have multiple players (who) can play inside and out,” Holtkamp said.

Willmar junior Blake Schoolmeester (23) celebrates with the Cardinals’ bench during the Cardinals’ late comeback run in the first half against NLS on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, in Willmar.

West Central Tribune file photo

The six seniors back are Jacob Streed, Simon Radermacher, Nathan Marthaler, Tyler Kowalczyk, Khalid Muhumed, Samuel Raitz, Schoolmeester and Max Mobley.

Streed is a 5-foot-10 senior guard with “good court vision,” said Holtkamp, who added he “gets teammates involved. (He) will be the floor leader.”

Rademacher is a 5-11 guard who is a good outside shooter. Marthaler is a 5-9 guard whom Holtkamp said will “give the team solid minutes and make good decisions.”

Kowalczyk is a 6-1 forward who is a hard worker. Muhumed is a 6-3 guard/forward who Holtkamp said can play anywhere on the court. “He’s really improved as a shooter,” the coach said. “He runs the floor well and will score in transition.”

Raitz is a 6-3 guard whom Holtkamp describes as an “athletic wing (who) can play inside or outside.” Raitz averaged 8 points per game last season, shooting 53% from the field and 41% on three-pointers. He’s been on the varsity since ninth grader.

Willmar junior Blake Schoolmeester shoots over Marshall defender Bryant Paulson on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, in Willmar.

West Central Tribune file photo

Schoolmeester is a 6-6 forward who is the Cardinals’ leading returning scorer and rebounder at 10.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He also earned All-Central Lakes Conference honors and is in his fourth year on the varsity.

Mobley is a 6-5 guard with a big wingspan. He’s a defensive stopper who can play all five positions.

Holtkamp’s concerns are rebounding, taking care of the ball and staying healthy.

“Our schedule will be tough,” Holtkamp said. “The Central Lakes Conference has many quality teams and our nonconference schedule includes a lot of strong opponents.” ◀

Willmar junior Khalid Muhumed goes up for a midrange jumper on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, in Willmar.

West Central Tribune file photo